She doesn't exist

As suddenly as she bumped into him, he shoved her aside quickly like a flea and walked past her without a word.

       “I'm sorry” she quickly apologised. Her heart was beating fast and the memory of the previous night flushed through her mind. She went pale and quickly regained her composure.

      He walked away without turning to glance at her, he treated her like air, like she doesn't exist. People should use their eyes when they walk. That's why the eyes were located in the head and not the feet.

      How can she imagine that this fellow that just passed by her side, and treated her like a stranger was actually intimate with her the previous night?

     But it appears that he didn't remember the incident of the previous night. Was that really being drunk? Anyways, it's better for her that he doesn't remember or think it's the woman that he loves.

      But as Adrian passed by Ava, a scene flashed through his mind and he shook it off. Was he crazy that he would have the feelings that he held her in his arms?

     He went down to the kitchen as Ava walked behind him. Seeing the cook he requested “I need a sobering up soup. Deliver it to my room” he instructed and turned to come face to face with Ava again.

       Why did he have to see her at every turn? Couldn't she find another path to take except bumping and almost bumping into each other?

     He glared at her with irritation and at that moment, Ava bowed her head. She perceived the strong penetrating cold stare coming from Adrian Lester to her. She doesn't need to meet his gaze before knowing it.

     The cook observed him and shook her head. She'd worked in the Lester family for decades and she's gradually approaching retirement. She's a close acquaintance of Ava's family.

     Why on earth will Sam Leon ever allow his daughter to marry this cold hearted young master. His heart is made of stone and no matter how Ava tries, her efforts cannot penetrate into him.

     The girl has been enduring every form of insult and humiliation from her stone hearted husband and tongue lashing mother in-law.

      She didn't know Sam Leon to be a covetous man nor a gold digger she would have concluded that he planted his daughter in the family because she would be their sure card to becoming wealthy and having a part of the Lester business.

     But Mr Leon is a contented, kind and a humble man. He's down to earth and has self great worth and esteem for himself. He might not be rich in substance but his heart is rich in kindness.

       Without another word, Adrian Lester walked away and tears welled up in Ava's eyes. How long is she going to remain in this mansion, how long will she remain in this imprisonment called marriage?

      “Ava” the older woman whispered her name. She loved to pull Ava into her embrace but her hands were covered with baking flour. Hence she stood with her body almost touching hers.

     Ava sniffled and looked up, forcing a smile. She cleaned her tears and acted vibrant again. Alice saw her and her eyes welled up with tears.

     Such a beautiful soul like her father. She is smiling, she's always putting on a smile, she always tries to be a strong girl and make it appears that she's fine and alright.

    But she's suffering inwardly. Hated by her husband and despised by her mother-in-law. She's the young madam of the Lester family and yet she is less than the least of the maids in the mansion.

     She is enduring every torture without complaining or letting it weigh down on her. She's putting up with everything and yet, there isn't a trace of likeness for her in her husband's looks and actions.

     “How are you dear?” Alice asked, using her elbow and bringing Ava close for a hug. How she likes this girl like her own daughter. 

      “I'm fine Ms. Alice” Ava replied and circled her hands around the woman briefly before letting go, pulling her apron on, she was ready to start breakfast alongside Alice.

     “Are you really fine my dear?” Alice asked, going to stand by Ava's side at the kitchen cabinet and turned to glance at her before continuing “you can tell others that you are fine, but not me.

     I know you are not fine. I know you are enduring a lot from your husband and family. I know everything Ava” she concluded and continued kneading the dough.

     Ava suddenly paused. Her eyes moistened and she sniffled. Her nose was sore and she sniffled again. She glanced at Alice with reddened eyes.

     “I don't Ms. Alice. And I think I am not feeling like I am fine. Maybe one day, the heavens would look down on me and I will feel fine in this family” she said in a breaking voice and she bit down her lips, preventing herself from sobbing out.

    She started by chopping the onions deliberately. Something to make it appears as if the onions were responsible for her tears. 

     “Did you let your father know all you're going through?” Alice asked. If Mr Leon knows, she can bet it, that he wouldn't want his daughter to remain in the Lester family.

     Ava shook her head. How can she say anything about it to her parents? Her dad is incapacitated and has a weak heart. She doesn't want to add to his pain. She'd rather suffer alone and let her father stay alive.

     “No Ms. Alice. My papa has a heart problem and his heart isn't functioning well. I don't want him to know about anything and my mama too” Ava replied.

     Alice nodded. Such a sensible daughter.